Preston North End have completed a deadline day double signing, bringing in striker Johnny Kenny from Celtic and midfielder Liam Gibbs on loan from Norwich City. The Championship club announced both deals during their 3-1 defeat to Bristol City, confirming a busy summer that has seen nearly £20 million spent on ten new players.
Kenny, a 23-year-old Irish international, joins on a four-year contract after Preston agreed an undisclosed fee reported to be around £3 million with Celtic. Gibbs, also 23, arrives on a season-long loan from Norwich City, where he remains under contract until 2028. The Lancashire Evening Post reported the signings as they were confirmed on the Deepdale big screen in the 70th minute of Tuesday's match.
Who are Preston's new signings?
Johnny Kenny started his senior career with Sligo Rovers, signing a professional contract in January 2021. He scored 12 goals in 34 games for the Irish club before moving to Celtic later that year. During his time at Celtic, Kenny made 32 appearances and scored seven times, with a loan spell at Bolton Wanderers in January 2025 yielding six goals in 14 games. His most productive period came during a second stint at Shamrock Rovers, where he netted 20 times in 39 matches. Kenny earned his first senior Republic of Ireland cap in November 2025 during a 3-2 win in Hungary.
Liam Gibbs developed through the Ipswich Town academy, making his debut in November 2019. He joined Norwich City in 2021 for an undisclosed fee and went on to make 102 appearances for the Canaries, scoring twice. His experience in the Championship was a factor in Preston's decision to bring him in, as the club looks to improve their current league position of 23rd with zero points from three games.
What does the manager say about them?
Manager Paul Heckingbottom highlighted Kenny's specific qualities that attracted the club. "He's a player who likes to play on the last line and make runs in behind; he's a sharp player," Heckingbottom said. He added, "He's lively in the box and will look to get shots off, left foot, right foot. He works hard for the team."
Regarding Gibbs, Heckingbottom pointed to the midfielder's blend of youth and experience. He described Gibbs as a young but experienced player with technical ability and valuable league know-how. These additions aim to address Preston's early-season struggles, which include conceding six goals while scoring only two, leaving them with a -4 goal difference.
How do they fit into the current squad?
The double signing addresses clear needs in the Preston squad. Kenny provides a direct goal threat to a team that has found scoring difficult in the opening weeks. His ability to play off the shoulder of the last defender offers a different option in attack. Gibbs adds depth and competition in midfield, an area that will be tested throughout a long Championship campaign. Fans can see how both players integrate by checking the updated squad list on the club's official pages.
These moves cap a significant summer of investment at Deepdale. The spending spree of nearly £20 million demonstrates the club's ambition to climb the standings, where they currently sit nine points behind early leaders Charlton Athletic. The immediate focus shifts to preparing for the next fixture, a home match against Blackburn Rovers on September 5th. Blackburn currently occupy 10th place in the table, making it a challenging local encounter. The full schedule of upcoming matches is available on our fixtures page.
Johnny Kenny has signed a four-year contract with Preston North End, securing his future at the club until the summer of 2030.
